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Hey there marriagepreneurs! 🌟 We’re basically family now so I think it’s safe for me to share some things about me you may not know. The first thing I want to share is I used to be a habitual overthinker. You know that feeling when our minds turn into a whirlwind of thoughts, and we can't seem to hit the brakes? That was me. Can you guess what changed? Part of it was finding the right relationship. Having a relationship that isn't rocky frees up mental real estate to the businesses you're leading and the people you'r serving. But what I learned from this time in my life is that overthinking can be a real buzzkill, draining our energy and stealing our joy. But fear not, because I've got your back with some battle-tested strategies to help you combat overthinking and regain your inner peace.
1. Practice Mindfulness:
Mindfulness is like a superhero power against overthinking. It's all about being present in the moment, focusing on what's happening right now rather than getting lost in a maze of thoughts. Try meditation, deep breathing exercises, or simply paying attention to your senses. For me, routine tasks like taking a shower, sweeping floors and prepping the deli on the food truck do the trick. The more you practice mindfulness, the more you'll tame that overactive mind of yours.
2. Challenge Negative Thoughts:
Our minds can be sneaky tricksters, filling our heads with negative scenarios and self-doubt. But here's the secret: you can challenge those thoughts! Ask yourself, "Is this thought based on facts or assumptions?" As you identify negative thoughts, immediately replace negative ones with more balanced and positive ones. Reframe the scenario or situation: it didn’t happen “to” you; on the contrary, it happened “for” you. You'll be amazed at how this simple shift can break the cycle of overthinking.
3. Set Boundaries for Rumination:
We've all been down the rabbit hole of rumination – replaying situations over and over in our minds. But guess what? You can set a time limit for this. Give yourself, say, 10 minutes to ruminate, and when the timer's up, move on. It's like giving your brain permission to overthink within limits, and it can be surprisingly effective.
4. Engage in Self-Care:
Taking care of yourself is a potent weapon against overthinking. Engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation – whether it's reading a book, going for a walk, taking a bubble bath, or indulging in a hobby. When you prioritize self-care, you send a clear message to your mind that it's time to unwind.
5. Seek Support:
Remember, you're not alone in this overthinking battle. Reach out to friends, family, or a therapist who can lend a listening ear and offer a fresh perspective. Sometimes, an outside viewpoint can provide the clarity you need to stop those relentless thought loops.
6. Practice Gratitude:
Gratitude is like kryptonite to overthinking. When you focus on the things you're thankful for, you shift your attention away from worries and toward the positive aspects of your life. Try starting a gratitude journal or simply take a moment each day to reflect on the things that bring you joy.
7. Seek God's Guidance:
If spirituality is your anchor, seeking guidance from your faith can be incredibly powerful. (If spirituality isn’t your anchor, you should definitely consider it - today!) It's not about overthinking your spiritual practices, but about finding comfort and solace in them. Release your worries to The Higher Power, knowing that you're not alone on this journey.
8. Keep a Journal:
Writing down your thoughts can be therapeutic. It's like giving your mind a designated space to spill all the overthinking onto the pages. This practice can help you see patterns, track your progress, and gain insights into what triggers your overthinking.
9. Focus on Solutions:
Instead of spiraling into the abyss of 'what if' scenarios, shift your focus to finding solutions. When faced with a problem, brainstorm actionable steps you can take to address it. This approach redirects your mind from overthinking to problem-solving mode.
10. Stay Busy:
An idle mind is often a breeding ground for overthinking. Keep yourself engaged in activities that capture your attention and energy. Whether it's pursuing a project, learning something new, or spending quality time with loved ones, staying busy can give your mind less room to overthink.
So there you have it, a toolkit of my personal strategies to combat overthinking and reclaim your mental tranquility. Remember, it's not about completely eradicating thoughts – that's impossible. It's about shifting your relationship with your thoughts and taking back control. It's time you take control of you! Experiment with these strategies and find the ones that resonate with you. With a little practice and patience, you'll be well on your way to a more peaceful and mindful mindset.
Remember, we’re not better than. We’re different from. We are married. You've got this! 💪🌈
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